This week, under the Wes Moore & Aruna Miller Administration, I was sworn in as a new Governor Appointed Member of the Maryland Public-Private Marketing Partnership Corporation. 

“Raise your right hand, and repeat after me.”, the circuit court clerk said with a soft smile.

Speaking as a Black woman from one of the most historically oppressed communities in the city of Baltimore, I could feel my body tense as I made an oath to God, in front of my family, to serve my home State of Maryland. 

For some, words like “constitution”, “uphold”, and “justice” can be hard pills to swallow, ask Dred Scott. These are complex terms for individuals who were never meant to be viewed as human beings in the first place.

“[African Americans]...are altogether unfit to associate with the white race, either in social or political relations; and so far inferior, that they have no rights which the white man is bound to respect; and the negro might justly and lawfully be reduced to slavery for his benefit.” 

–Chief Justice Roger Taney

Wow! Tell us how you really feel, Chief.

I believe history doesn’t repeat itself but it definitely rhymes.

I’m a product of Reganomics and a survivor of Trumpagadan. It’s 2023, and my three children have grown accustomed to witnessing the names of black victims turn into trending hashtags.

Just two years ago, more than 2,000 rioters converged in D.C. to kill and kidnap legislators based on the orders of the former President of the United States of America. 

Then, this week, that same “former President” and “convicted criminal” was invited on national television to continue his indoctrination against the backdrop of the American flag.

Forgive me for treading cautiously.  

When I envisioned #MyBmore and formed Audacity, it was based on one singular belief. “Until the Lion learns to speak every and all stories will glorify the Hunter.”

I am a voice for the lions.  

Yes, we are going to have to work our asses off, but Baltimore is being pulled from the background and taking our rightful place as the centerpiece of Maryland’s story. “Cash may move everything around us”, but the power is and it will always remain with the people.  

I’ve done the math. I’m in my early 40s and based on THIS alternate universe, time does not go backward! 

James Baldwin sounded the alarm long ago when he said, “Time is up, and the rent is due. What are YOU bringing to the table?”

Our grassroots non-profit leaders, creatives, artists, and ‘believers in this city” control Baltimore’s narrative, and I look forward to proving it. 

The face of change is reflected in our babies (5 - 14). The hands of change are reflected in our youth (15- 24). So, that means it is up to me, you, La Di Da Di, and everybody to lean in and provide the guidance and support that new change requires to be sustainable. 

If America were an experiment, Baltimore would be the “control”. We are the benchmark…the point of comparison. Though the control does not benefit from the medicine to heal, against all odds, the control still holds the power to influence the outcome.

#MyBmore